About Jennie Almerico
Question/Answer
- Can you provide a brief introduction about yourself, including your current role?
I love my family, my friends, and my dog. I am so very proud of my kids. Both of them are way cooler than me. I am a water nerd. My 24-year career started out in consulting engineering, designing water and wastewater facilities, then I spent part of my career in the public sector, before transitioning back to consulting working for an amazing women-owned small business for the last 10 years. Everyday I get to work with people who are passionate and smart about public infrastructure.
I am currently on the State Executive Board, serving as the State Treasurer of WEAT. I am proud to serve on the Board of this organization and the work that we do. I am also involved in the Workforce Development Committee as the Veterans Liaison, reaching out to former military to publicize and advocate for water careers for veterans. In the Southeast Section of WEAT I stay involved in all the amazing things we do in and around Houston. We have a great group of emerging leaders and we are already gearing up for Texas Water 2025 back in H-town!
- What led you to pursue a career in the water sector, and what aspects of your work are particularly fulfilling to you?
I can remember as far back as 4th grade saying that I wanted to go to Texas A&M and be an engineer, following in my father’s footsteps. I ended up in Civil Engineering because of an internship with the City of Denton working with their Wastewater Operations Group. I knew from that point on, my career would be in water. It’s very important to me to work in a field that makes people’s lives better. What better way to do that, than to make sure people have safe, clean water?
- Could you share some key milestones or achievements in your professional journey that you are particularly proud of?
More than any individual accomplishment, I am most proud of the friends I have in this industry. My very best friends are some of the first people I met when I moved to Houston in 2001 and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I mean that very literally. I am employee #1 at 5engineering, which was founded by one of my very best friends. We built our firm from the ground up and I was the sole Water/Wastewater professional when we started. I am very proud of the work we have done to build our company, see it grow and have a big presence in the water space.
- How has your cultural background influenced your perspective and approach in the water industry?
My parents instilled a strong work ethic and taught us to always do what was right, even if it wasn’t easy. When there are tough decisions to be made, those lessons are invaluable.
- What advice would you give to fellow members who are starting their journey in the water industry or considering active participation in WEAT?
I’ve been an active member of WEAT for 23 years. I spend a lot of my volunteer time on WEAT activities. I know that I’ve gotten just as much in return as I’ve given to the organization. The friends, mentors, contacts, and knowledge I’ve gained is priceless.
- Balancing personal and professional commitments can be challenging. How do you manage work-life balance, and do you have any strategies or practices that have been particularly effective for you?
Anyone that knows me well knows I have a problem saying no. I step up when asked, so sometimes that means I overcommit, which also means I need a break every now and then. So, learn to prioritize and say no when you know you can’t commit to doing a job well. But, also… stretch yourself and say yes! It’s worth your time.
- On a lighter note, could you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that many may not know?
I grew up in Muenster, Texas, a small German town with a population of about 1,600 people. I graduated high school in a class of 17 kids. You may run into several other engineers from Muenster at your next WEAT event. We seem to gravitate to careers in engineering and a bunch of us are Aggies, too. Whoop! If you ever make your way to my hometown, stop in the local grocery store (there’s only one), Fischer’s Meat Market, and pick up some smoked cheddar cheese. You won’t be disappointed. Fun fact: my very first jobs were stocking shelves at Fischer’s and working for the local newspaper, the Muenster Enterprise.